Exemplary volunteers recognized for their outstanding service to Virginia

RICHMOND, VA -- Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the ten honorees in the 2024 Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards during a ceremony at the Executive Mansion. The annual awards program spotlights the outstanding volunteer efforts of individuals, organizations, and businesses, on behalf of Virginians across the Commonwealth. 

“Through their steadfast commitment to helping others, these honorees represent the very best of our Commonwealth,”?said Governor Glenn Youngkin.?“It is my pleasure to recognize this year’s award recipients for the enormous impact they have made across Virginia and in the lives of their neighbors. Each honoree reminds us that we each have the opportunity to make our communities better through service.” 

“These extraordinary honorees embody the spirit of service that defines Virginia,” said First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. “Their dedication and impact inspire us all to strengthen our communities through acts of kindness and commitment.”

The 2024 Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards honorees are:  

- Youth Volunteer (aged 18 and under): Ashley Coulson (Woodstock) 

- Young Adult (aged 19-30): Bezawit Getachew Mulatu (Richmond) 

- Adult (aged 31-59): Alisa Thornton (Woodbridge) 

- Senior (aged 60+): Mary Lee Di Spirito (Annandale) 

- Independent Group: Michelle Smeltzer & Nichole Johns (Front Royal) 

- Community Organization: Youth Education Program of the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia (Alexandria and Arlington) 

- Faith-Based Organization: The Chapel (Richmond) 

- Educational Organization: ODU Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Norfolk) 

- Small Business: Notes n’ Beats Music School (Brambleton) 

- Corporation: Newport News Shipbuilding (Newport News) 

Recognizing exceptional community service for 30 years, the Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards are presented by the Office of the Governor, with the assistance of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism and Serve Virginia.  

“It is a tremendous privilege to share the stories of these volunteers and recognize their efforts and impact,”?added Chair of the Virginia Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism Joy S. Parker. “Each honoree showcases the power of service and the potential for what can be accomplished when we work together for the greater good.” 

The Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards ceremony was held at the Executive Mansion on November 20, 2024, hosted by Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin. Leaders from across Virginia gathered to recognize the contributions of these volunteers and celebrate the impact of their service. The efforts recognized this year have made a tangible impact in the lives of Virginians, advancing individual and collective well-being. For more information about the honorees and volunteerism in Virginia, please visit ServeVirginia.org/news-and-events/2024-governors-awards. 

The Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism supports community-based initiatives to build stronger communities and enhance existing relationships that address local educational, community development, economic, health, environmental and other social/cultural needs by identifying and involving diverse community service volunteers. Learn more at ServeVirginia.org/about-us/governor-advisory-board. 

Serve Virginia aspires to build a culture of service and volunteerism in all corners of the Commonwealth by inspiring individuals and organizations to engage, connecting them with the resources they need to make a difference and celebrating the tremendous impacts we make together. Learn more at  ServeVirginia.org.